You are here

Bayern Munich playmaker to miss Arsenal clash

Arsenal have received another boost ahead of their Champions League last-16 meeting with Bayern Munich, as the German champions confirmed midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri has been ruled out with injury.

The Swiss international has been sidelined for a number of weeks after picking up a thigh problem in Bayern’s 4-0 win over Freiburg on Saturday.

The 22-year-old netted twice but limped off after an hour of play, and Bayern confirmed after the match he would not be fit for either Wednesday's last-16 first-leg trip to Arsenal or next weekend's league match against Hannover.

The reigning European champions said on their official website: "Xherdan Shaqiri scored his first Bundesliga brace in the 4-0 victory over Freiburg, but there was a bitter aftertaste to the afternoon for the Swiss schemer as he was forced off with injury after 61 minutes.

"A post-match medical showed that the player ruptured a muscle in the back of his right thigh.

"Shaq will now definitely miss the Champions League round of 16 first leg away to Arsenal on Wednesday and the following Sunday's Bundesliga trip to Hannover."